Jeb De La Cruz, known to his family as Jeb Jeb, is a lively 2½-year-old who dashes through the front room of his family's North Vancouver home, crashing into the couch, climbing, giggling, and singing. His mother, Maria, says, "It's like no accident happened to us."
One year ago, on April 27, 2025, Jeb was critically injured during the Lapu-Lapu Day celebrations in Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines, when a stampede broke out. He suffered severe head trauma and was airlifted to a hospital in Cebu City for emergency surgery.
After weeks in intensive care, Jeb was transferred to a hospital in Vancouver, Canada, where his family lives. He underwent multiple surgeries and months of rehabilitation. Doctors initially feared he might have permanent brain damage, but his recovery has been remarkable.
Today, Jeb shows no signs of the trauma. He is meeting all developmental milestones for his age. His family credits the quick response of first responders in the Philippines and the medical teams in both countries for his survival.
The Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy claimed 12 lives and injured dozens more. Jeb's story has become a symbol of hope for other families affected by the disaster.
